The stats I receive from the blog publisher suggest that there are quite a few of you reading this. Far more than I had ever imagined. I think I’ve had over 1,000 visitors and 4,500 views. I really hope that you have enjoyed this journey as much as I have and thank you for your support. You’d be amazed at just how many times I’ve thought of you throughout the trip and knowing you’re there really has helped when the going has been tough.

The blog has been at times frank and a little raw. This was my personal account of what life has been like. It may have shocked, offended or scared. I hope not but it wouldn’t be real if I had in any way muted my emotion. In fact I tell a lie. There’s one emotion that I dumbed down and that’s the pain of breaking my ribs. My parents were worried enough!

I’ve loved writing for you all and so I may do so again. Watch out for Grim on Land! That’s certainly how I’m feeling right now in my shorts and flip flops on my way to Heathrow!

There are a few chapters left in this story before I draw to a close.

– I still owe you the photos from the last race. The storm, the rescue, the Whitsundays…you must visit if you haven’t.
– I’m about to get home to see my renovation project in the flesh!! Due to the neighbour debacle, the property on the other side being condemned and subsidence it is a few weeks behind but it’s quite incredible that we’ve got this far. It’s a long way from the crude maths that gave me two weeks to buy a house ‘because I thought it would be sensible to use the 4 months of being away to do something constructive’. Mad.
– And on 1st Feb I have to reintegrate into work with all that brings. I’ve actively avoided asking for news so it may well be all change. Who knows. I’m certainly looking forward to going back and seeing what’s what. I haven’t worn high heels since September!

I have never asked any of you for sponsorship for the Clipper charity, UNICEF, because I appreciate you receive those sorts of requests all the time for marathons, triathlons and the like and probably feel like you get little in return. However, if you have enjoyed this and feel like you would like to donate, perhaps the cost of a book, then please find me on just giving:

http://www.justgiving.com/Lucy-Grimstead

 

One parting comment (for now). If you have a dream or ambition don’t suppress it. Have the courage to do it no matter how daunting it may seem. Be brave. I didn’t think I had it in me to take a break from work but I have achieved more than I thought was possible and in doing so I have learnt so much about myself and others. I have enjoyed myself more than I had imagined. I’m capable of smiling with a bigger grin than I’ve seen before. I’m definitely a better person as a result.

Thank you for sharing it.

 

Lots of love, Lucy